Richard Knight, from Fermyn Place, has been selected to play in the rugby league contest in July. But he must first raise about £1,500 to fund the trip to Brisbane.

The 22-year-old University of Leicester chemistry student said: "My grandparents on both sides were Scottish and I've always been a Scotland fan.

"I played for the Scotland A-team last year, but there was still a tough selection process for the student side. I was backwards and forwards to Edinburgh a lot.

"It is a huge event in the sport, second only to the full world cup, and I will be playing against some of the greatest rugby players in the world."

Former Brooke Weston pupil Richard, who has a brother and sister, has played for S&L Rugby Union Club in Corby since he was 13, switching codes from union to league when he went to university.

He said: "I'd love to play professionally, but you really do have to be among the elite few to do that.

"The student world cup is used as a warm-up to the world cup that takes place in October. They have to select a certain number of amateurs for that so there's a slim chance I could get in the full squad if I do well."

Now all Richard has to do is raise the money to pay for the journey.
"I've got some of the cash together myself but I am looking for more sponsorship. All contributions will help.

"There's 25 of us going and we'll all be out there for three weeks. It's just too expensive for them to pay for us all so we have to raise the money ourselves."

Anyone who can help Richard should contact him via email at rwk7@le.ac.uk.